How to use "please remember"

What Does "please remember" Mean?

• The phrase "please remember" is a polite imperative used to introduce a statement that the speaker wants the listener or reader to keep in mind. It serves as a gentle command or suggestion, urging someone to retain a specific piece of information or to perform a particular action.
• The meaning is compositional; "please" adds politeness, and "remember" retains its core meaning of recalling or keeping something in mind.
• Register: Neutral

How to Use It

• Grammatical pattern: adverb + verb (imperative)
• Typical objects: "to" + infinitive (e.g., "Please remember to log off"), "that" + clause (e.g., "Please remember that I am one"), or a direct object (e.g., "Please remember us!").
• The components cannot be separated. You cannot insert words between "please" and "remember".
• What sounds unnatural: Using "please to remember" is grammatically incorrect. Using "remember please" is less common and can sound awkward in most contexts.

Real-World Examples

These examples are sourced from please remember on Ludwig.guru.

"Please remember to log off." — Princeton University

"Please remember, if thunder roars, head indoors." — The Washington Post

"Please remember that I am one." — The Guardian - Books

"But please remember that they're ours, not yours." — Independent

"And please remember this last tidbit: give back my cups." — The New Yorker

Examples sourced from https://ludwig.guru/s/please+remember

Similar Phrases and Alternatives

Phrase	Context
kindly remember	Slightly more formal and often used in written communication.
don't forget	More direct and can be perceived as less polite, suitable for informal situations.
bear in mind	Suggests considering something important; slightly more formal and thoughtful.
keep in mind	Similar to "bear in mind" but can be used in both formal and informal settings.
it's important to remember	Emphasizes the significance of the information being conveyed; more formal.
you should remember	Direct and advisory; suitable for giving recommendations or instructions.
I'd like to remind you	More formal and polite, often used when reminding someone of something they might have overlooked.

Common Mistakes

• Learners sometimes incorrectly use "please to remember" which is grammatically incorrect and sounds unnatural.
• Using an incorrect preposition after "remember," such as "remember about" instead of "remember that" or "remember to." For example, "Please remember about the meeting" is less correct than "Please remember the meeting" or "Please remember that we have a meeting."
• Using an overly formal or informal tone in an inappropriate context. While "please remember" itself is neutral, the surrounding language should match the situation.

Quick-Reference Summary

Expression	Meaning	Grammatical Pattern	Register
Please remember	A polite way to introduce a reminder or instruction, urging someone to keep something in mind.	Adverb + Verb (imperative)	Neutral

FAQs

Can I separate the words in "please remember" with other words?

No, the phrase "please remember" should be kept together. Inserting words between "please" and "remember" would disrupt the conventional structure and sound unnatural. For example, "Please, if you could, remember..." is grammatically correct, but it rephrases the sentence rather than inserting between the words.

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How is "please remember" different from "don't forget"?

Both "please remember" and "don't forget" are used to remind someone of something, but "please remember" is generally considered more polite and gentle. "Don't forget" can sometimes sound more direct or even slightly demanding, making "please remember" a safer choice in formal or sensitive situations.

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Is "please to remember" correct?

No, "please to remember" is grammatically incorrect and sounds very unnatural in modern English. The correct and standard form is "please remember." Using "please to remember" is a common mistake among English learners, but it should be avoided.